What Say You?



What Say You?

By Bren Collins-Sheriff, CSA

When I first started writing this column, I stayed close to the focus of my training: providing financial advice, particularly stressing the importance of succession planning so that hard-earned assets could be passed on to loved ones and become part of a legacy for which you would be fondly remembered.

But after several months, something interesting happened. The readers who contacted me were seeking information about a multitude of life’s issues. Although my original intent was to provide financial information to help seniors get their financial “houses in order,” I soon discovered that many of the people reaching out were younger—often the children of seniors who needed help developing a plan for aging.

And as we talked, their questions often moved beyond finances into a plethora of life’s concerns.

Scripture reminds us that not every sickness leads to death. Likewise, not every issue associated with aging is financial. Sometimes money simply cannot be the first priority. Physical and mental health concerns may require immediate attention. A person may need supportive housing. A marriage or family relationship may need repairing. Sometimes, before we can organize the money, we must first stabilize the life surrounding it.

You, my readers, have certainly kept me busier than a cat trying to cover up its stuff on a marble floor! Your questions have challenged me to look beyond dollars and cents and explore the many issues that can help us gain perspective on what it really means to “get our house in order .”

Some of you know that, in addition to writing this weekly column, I host Conversations with the Citizen, a weekly podcast produced by the publishers of the Citizen Newspapers.

Each week, on multiple platforms, we offer conversations designed to provide a deeper understanding of issues affecting our Black community. Our approach is both preventive and curative: How can we avoid some problems before they occur, and how can we better address those already affecting our lives?

You can access current and past episodes through the Citizen Newspapers’ website at www.citizennewspapergroup.com.

My goal is to identify experts who can share information that better equips individuals and families to overcome—or, when possible, avoid—obstacles that may prevent them from experiencing happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives which they desire.

A recent example was my conversation with Dr. Veronica Walker-Douglas, a clinician in marriage and family counseling. We discussed the enormous impact that both actual and perceived “loss” can have on a person’s psyche and how unresolved loss can adversely affect relationships, physical health, and the general wellbeing of both us and others around us if steps are not taken to overcome the resulting grief.

One of the things I enjoy most about this work is that I get to learn, too. Every conversation expands my horizon of information, understanding, and knowledge.

Years ago, a great educator and dear friend, Dr. Marcella Davis, gave me a saying I have never forgotten: “When you’re green, you grow; when you’re ripe, you rot.”

I decided then that I wanted to remain green. Like Kermit the Frog, I have learned to enjoy being green—always “growing in my knowing.”

More importantly, I want to share what I learn. Scripture tells us, “With all thy getting get understanding.” It also warns us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Knowledge, however, must lead to understanding, and understanding must lead to action.

When we, as Black people, recognize the power of conscientious, coordinated efforts by informed people—people willing to learn, plan, work together, and develop processes that create meaningful change—we strengthen not only ourselves, but our families and our communities.

Perhaps that is ultimately why I do what I do.

Whether we are talking about money, aging, health, relationships, housing, or emotional well-being, the mission remains the same: to help us become better informed, better prepared, and better equipped to build the better lives and communities we seek.

And then, perhaps, we can truly say: It’s already all right. 

What say you?

THIS WEEK'S QUIZ: Which of the following is the best example of truly “getting your house in order” as you prepare for aging?

A. Making a will
B. Organizing your finances
C. Talking with family about your wishes and future needs
D. All of the above

 Answer to Last Week's Quiz: What did you do last week as suggested to give of yourself to make our world a better place?  Remember Mark 12:41 and Luke 21:1-4.  Do you feel better?

For Questions or Help: 773-817-0601 basheriff1@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The illustrations and examples presented in this column are not, nor are they intended to be, legal, financial, tax, insurance, or other licensed professional advice. Readers should consult the licensed professional of their choice regarding their individual circumstances.

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